The bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for agriculture in New Mexico by updating the administration and enforcement powers of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. It establishes a standardized system of progressive administrative penalties for violations of agricultural laws, including a new fourth-degree felony for willful non-compliance with these penalties. The bill also mandates that all collected administrative penalties be deposited into the state treasury for the benefit of the current school fund. Additionally, it amends various sections of the Pesticide Control Act, Plant Protection Act, Bee Act, Fertilizer Act, Pecan Buyers Licensure Act, Egg Grading Act, Weights and Measures Act, Weighmaster Act, and Petroleum Products Standards Act to improve compliance, increase fee caps, and clarify definitions and responsibilities.

Key provisions include the introduction of new licensing fees, the establishment of penalties for violations, and the requirement for the department to enter into contracts for monitoring pesticides and analyzing agricultural products. The bill also emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling and compliance in commercial transactions, with administrative penalties of up to $5,000 for violations across various acts. Furthermore, it consolidates definitions and repeals outdated provisions to streamline regulations. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen oversight and compliance within New Mexico's agricultural sector, ensuring better management of pesticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural practices.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 76-4-1, 76-4-6, 76-4-20, 76-4-22, 76-4-23, 76-4-34, 76-4-38, 76-4-39, 76-5-12, 76-5-13, 76-5-15, 76-5-16, 76-5-19, 76-5-20, 76-5-21, 76-5-25, 76-5-26, 76-5-27, 76-5-28, 76-9-1, 76-9-2, 76-9-3, 76-9-5, 76-9-7, 76-9-8, 76-9-11, 76-9-12, 76-9-13, 76-11-3, 76-11-4, 76-11-5, 76-11-6, 76-11-7, 76-11-10, 76-11-11, 76-11-12, 76-11-13, 76-11-14, 76-11-15, 76-11-16, 76-11-17, 76-11-18, 76-11-19, 60-16-1, 60-16-2, 60-16-7, 60-16-8, 76-19A-12, 76-19A-15, 25-6-1, 25-6-9, 25-6-12, 25-6-16, 57-17-1, 57-17-2, 57-17-3, 57-17-4, 57-17-6, 57-17-7, 57-17-8, 57-17-10, 57-17-12, 57-17-18, 57-17-19, 57-17-20, 57-18-1, 57-18-2, 57-18-7, 57-18-11, 57-19-25, 57-19-27, 57-19-34, 76-1-6, 57-19-36, 57-18-8, 76-4-15